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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 Hariharan U
Published on February 17, 2026
Enrise by Sayaji, Latur has officially opened in the city’s Old MIDC Area, marking a strategic addition to the hospitality infrastructure of Maharashtra’s Marathwada region. The 30-room property is designed to cater to Latur’s rapidly expanding industrial and business corridor, reinforcing the city’s position as one of India’s fast-growing tier-2 markets.
Latur, home to over 24 lakh residents (Census 2011), is recognised as a major soyabean trading centre and for its 11 cooperative sugar factories, earning it the title “Sugar Belt of Maharashtra.” The region’s strong agro-industrial base continues to generate sustained demand for quality business hospitality.
The hotel offers 30 rooms across three categories - 18 Deluxe Rooms, 9 Executive Rooms and 3 Premium Executive Rooms, tailored for business and leisure travellers. Expansive MICE and event facilities include four banquet venues: Jewel, accommodating up to 700 guests in a theatre-style setup; Solitaire for mid-sized gatherings; Crystal for corporate meetings; and Connect, an intimate boardroom space.
Dining options include two multi-cuisine restaurants, Momentt and Horizon, serving resident guests, business travellers and local diners.
Ajay Kanojia, Associate General Manager, Sayaji Hotels Ltd, stated that Latur aligns with the brand’s strategic expansion into high-potential growth markets, bringing its signature “Yours Truly” service ethos to the region. Mayur Garje, Managing Director, Garje Unit, highlighted the partnership’s role in elevating hospitality standards in the district.
Located 3 km from Latur Railway Station and 120 km from Solapur Airport, the property offers convenient connectivity for corporate travellers. The opening reflects Sayaji Hotels’ continued focus on expanding across emerging business destinations in India
Published on February 15, 2026
Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) has announced the launch of its newest property, Regenta Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, further strengthening its footprint in Punjab. With this opening, the group now operates five properties in the city, reinforcing its focus on high-growth urban and religious tourism destinations.
Strategically located at SCO 47-50, Ranjit Avenue, the hotel offers convenient access to Amritsar’s key landmarks. It is situated just 7 km (around 10 minutes) from the iconic Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. The property is also 15 km from Shri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport and 5.5 km from the Amritsar Railway Station, making it accessible for both domestic and international travellers.
The hotel features 37 thoughtfully designed rooms that blend contemporary comfort with regal elegance, offering guests a serene stay experience.
Dining at the property includes three distinct venues. Pinxx Kitchen & Lounge serves as the signature all-day dining restaurant, where global flavours meet the authentic tastes of Amritsar. Mix Bar offers a chic setting with a curated selection of expertly crafted beverages, while Kitty Lounge provides an exclusive space for private gatherings and intimate social events.
For meetings and celebrations, the hotel boasts expansive banquet venues with regal detailing. A highlight is “Celebration – The Party Hall,” a 4,500 square feet space with 16-foot ceilings, ideal for grand events and corporate functions. Guests can also unwind at the rooftop swimming pool, adding a leisure edge to the property’s offerings.
Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, “The opening of Regenta Ranjit Avenue marks a significant milestone in our strategy to strengthen our presence in India’s most iconic cultural and spiritual hubs. As our fifth property in Amritsar, this launch reinforces our commitment to the region and our ‘Vision 2030’ expansion roadmap. We aim to provide a sanctuary of 'Regal Hospitality and Eternal Serenity' that reflects the city's rich heritage while offering the modern, high-quality service our guests expect.”
With this addition, Royal Orchid Hotels continues to deepen its presence in key Indian markets, aligning growth with destinations that attract both leisure and pilgrimage travellers.
In a move set to reshape India’s highway and city travel experience, Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited has announced a strategic partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to build an integrated food and fuel ecosystem across the country.
Under the agreement, Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited will establish South Indian restaurants and takeaway outlets at select HPCL fuel stations. The initiative aims to provide travellers with access to clean, hygienic, and familiar food options while on the move.
The collaboration seeks to transform fuel stations into dependable rest and refresh points, where customers can refuel their vehicles, access well-maintained washrooms, and enjoy quality meals, all at a single stop. The rollout will begin with Maharashtra as the pilot state, followed by a phased expansion across highways, cities, and urban hubs nationwide.
The partnership was formally signed by Murali Krishna V. Vadrevu, Executive Director at HPCL, and Pankaj Deokar, Vice President – Operations at Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited, underlining the shared intent to scale the model in a structured and sustainable manner.
With HPCL’s extensive network of fuel stations across India, the initiative is positioned to cater to a broad segment of highway travellers, daily commuters, families, fleet operators, and business travellers. Kamats restaurants will introduce travel-friendly food solutions, including specialised packaging for quick, hygienic grab-and-go dining, tailored to the needs of Indian road travel.
Commenting on the development, Vikram Kamat, Founder of Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited, said, “For decades, Indian travellers have associated fuel stops with necessity alongside comfort. This partnership allows us to change that narrative. Through coming together with HPCL, we are creating spaces where people can pause, eat well, and travel better. Our focus has always been on food that is honest, hygienic, and familiar, and this collaboration allows us to take that experience to where India travels every day, on its highways and city roads.”
The companies have emphasised a step-by-step, scalable growth model, prioritising consistent food quality, service standards, and operational discipline over rapid expansion. The focus remains on building a dependable, long-term customer experience.
With this partnership, Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited and HPCL aim to set a new benchmark for India’s travel infrastructure, turning fuel stations into well-rounded destinations that serve the everyday needs of modern Indian travellers.
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