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


Sian at Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway Celebrates Relaunch with Southeast Asian Showcase

Sian at Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway Celebrates Relaunch with Southeast Asian Showcase

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 4, 2026

Sian at Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway celebrated its relaunch with a special evening that brought together Chennai’s food lovers, corporate leaders, dignitaries and members of the diplomatic community. The event introduced guests to a refreshed space and a carefully curated Southeast Asian dining experience.

The restaurant now presents a renewed identity as a lively Southeast Asian destination. The redesigned interiors feature subtle Asian elements paired with a modern look. Warm lighting and immersive music added to the atmosphere, while the newly introduced menu became the highlight of the evening.

The showcase was led by Executive Chef Saratchandra Banerji, who presented an expanded Southeast Asian selection. The experience began with Malaysian Laksa, available in both vegetarian and chicken options. Starters included Goi Cuon Shrimp, Szechuan Chilly Mountain Chicken, Tossed Crispy Tofu in Chilly Black Bean Sauce, and Goi Cuon.

For the main course, guests enjoyed Prawns Adobo, a well-known delicacy from Philippines, along with Thai Red Curry with Chicken. Vegetarian dishes featured Bamboo Shoot and Shiitake Mushroom in Light Soy and Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Broccoli. The meal was complemented by Golden Garlic Fried Rice, Char Kway Teow, Vegetable Hakka Noodles, and Steamed Jasmine Rice.

Desserts added a sweet finish with favourites such as Tub Tim Krob and the aromatic Pandan Layer Cake. The evening also featured Chinese-inspired cocktails including Lychee Blossom Martini, Ginger Dragon Highball, Mandarin Pearl, Five-Spice Negroni, and Jasmine Tea Spritz, making the experience more immersive.

Guests appreciated the thoughtful menu and the fresh energy of the restaurant. Many noted how the flavours stayed authentic while still feeling contemporary. The relaunch reflected Sian’s focus on offering a refined Southeast Asian dining experience along Chennai’s OMR stretch. Sian at Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway is open for lunch and dinner.


Sterling Bagh, Ranthambore Unveils Curated Two-Day Holi Wilderness Escape

Sterling Bagh, Ranthambore Unveils Curated Two-Day Holi Wilderness Escape

By Hariharan U

Published on March 1, 2026

Celebrating Holi against the serene backdrop of Rajasthan’s wilderness, Sterling Bagh, Ranthambore has introduced a specially curated one-night, two-day festive escape designed for families and leisure travellers seeking both cultural immersion and relaxation.

Set near the famed forests of Ranthambore, the resort’s Holi programme blends traditional rituals with laid-back indulgence. The celebrations commence with a ceremonial welcome, followed by Hi-Tea and cultural activities that reflect the region’s vibrant heritage. As evening unfolds, guests can enjoy live music alongside an elaborate buffet dinner, creating a convivial setting for shared moments.

On Holi day, the festivities take centre stage with an organic colours celebration complemented by traditional Thandai and Gujiya live counters. Dedicated play zones for children ensure a family-friendly atmosphere, while a specially curated live bar and music experience adds to the festive spirit. The afternoon continues with Hi-Tea before concluding with a grand buffet dinner, offering a full day of colour, cuisine and celebration.

The experience wraps up with a leisurely breakfast the following morning, allowing guests to unwind in nature before departure. 

About the Brand

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited operates across 59 destinations in India with over 3,700 keys. The brand has a strong presence in leisure locations including Alleppey, Corbett, Darjeeling, Goa, Ooty, Manali, Ranthambore and Udaipur, among others. Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Limited and is part of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.

With this festive offering, Sterling Bagh, Ranthambore positions itself as an ideal Holi retreat for travellers looking to celebrate the festival of colours amid nature, comfort and curated hospitality.


Radisson Hotel Group Signs 175-Key Radisson Collection Hotel in Mysore

Radisson Hotel Group Signs 175-Key Radisson Collection Hotel in Mysore

By Hariharan U

Published on March 1, 2026

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of Radisson Collection Hotel, Mysore, marking the debut of its luxury lifestyle brand in the City of Palaces and reinforcing its expansion strategy in South India. The development strengthens the Group’s footprint in Karnataka and aligns with its focus on entering culturally significant, high-potential destinations with strong long-term demand.

Strategically located at the junction of Mysore Ring Road and Bengaluru–Mysore Road, the hotel will benefit from strong visibility and seamless connectivity to key city corridors. Positioned close to major tourist attractions, the property is expected to draw robust leisure demand, particularly weekend travellers from Bengaluru, while also catering to corporate, MICE and social segments.

The 175-key hotel will feature elegantly designed rooms and suites, signature dining venues and versatile meeting and event spaces. Expansive indoor banqueting and outdoor venues are expected to position the hotel as a preferred destination for conferences, corporate offsites, luxury weddings and large-scale social celebrations. True to the Radisson Collection ethos, the design will combine contemporary refinement with Mysore’s cultural legacy, offering experiences rooted in local character and global luxury standards.

Commenting on the signing, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Mysore represents a compelling growth opportunity for us, combining strong leisure fundamentals with an established weddings market and increasing corporate activity yet remains underpenetrated in the luxury segment. The signing of Radisson Collection Hotel, Mysore, allows us to re-enter the city with a flagship luxury product aligned to evolving demand patterns. This development strengthens our South India portfolio and supports our broader strategy of deploying Radisson Collection in destinations that demonstrate long-term demand depth, strong rate potential, and relevance across leisure, MICE, and social segments.”

Adding to this, Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director – Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, stated, “This signing is a significant step in strengthening our luxury presence in South India and reflects our strategy to introduce Radisson Collection in culturally rich yet underpenetrated markets. Mysore’s heritage appeal, strong weekend demand, and large-scale social and MICE potential make it an ideal destination for a flagship Radisson Collection hotel. We look forward to developing a landmark property that combines the brand’s global standards with the city’s timeless cultural identity.”

Sharing the ownership perspective, KN Zubair Ahmed, Founder and Chairman of Zed Group, said, “Partnering with Radisson Hotel Group to bring Radisson Collection to Mysore is a defining moment for us and for the city’s luxury hospitality landscape. Mysore’s global recognition as a heritage destination, combined with its evolving demand for upscale experiences, makes it the ideal setting for a Radisson Collection hotel. Our vision is to create a landmark destination that celebrates the city’s royal legacy while offering contemporary luxury, world-class service, and exceptional spaces for weddings, events, and leisure travelers. We are confident this hotel will redefine luxury hospitality in Mysore and become a preferred address for discerning guests.”

With this signing, Radisson Hotel Group continues to expand its curated luxury portfolio in India, positioning Mysore as its next flagship destination in South India.

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